‘Domestic violence becomes a workplace issue’

THE impact of domestic violence in the workplace was highlighted by SIPTU general secretary Joe O’Flynn.

Special training is to be given to union representatives to deal with what he described as a very difficult and sensitive issue. Mr O’Flynn said victims brought the consequences of abuse with them to work, where their performance and productivity could suffer. Timekeeping could also deteriorate along with increased likelihood of absence.

“In some cases, the victim may even be subject to abuse while at work in the form of intimidatory phone-calls, or visits from the abusing partner,” he said.